Inframammary Fold

Otherwise known as a “breast lift,” the procedure is to reposition and possibly reshape the breast into a more desirable position. Although it does not by definition include breast enlargement, that may be performed at the same time.

Anyone who is not satisfied with the position of either breast is a candidate for this operation, but typically it is performed on the woman who was previously satisfied with the position of her breasts, but the Cooper’s suspensory ligaments have lengthened following pregnancy, and/or weight gained then lost, and/or aging, and the nipples are lower than she (or her partner) would wish. The contents of the breast may not be interfered with by the surgery, and lactation in a subsequent pregnancy will remain possible.

Breast reduction is also called Reduction Mammoplasty. Overly large breasts have appropriately been described as an “affliction.” Terms have been derived, ranging from macromastia to gigantomastia which may not be etymologically correct but are certainly image-conjuring.

The surgical technique of reduction will depend on the situation, the amount of reduction required, the preference of the patient and the decisions of the surgeon. To the extent possible, wherever the incision is placed, the nipples and areolae will be left attached to functioning breast tissue, thereby retaining normal sensation and the potential for breast feeding.

This procedure is distinct from “reconstruction” after an injury or removal of a breast. It is usually performed when the patient is dissatisfied with the size of her breasts, she may have been teased at school, or suffered negative comments from male companions, or may think she would “present” better in the job market if she had a better figure. As in all forms of aesthetic surgery, the surgeon must be aware of the patient’s expectations and psyche.

This is the lower margin of where breast and chest meet. Called by various names, inframammary fold (IMF), inframammary crease, inframammary ligament and inframammary line, this is the reflection point where the skin of the lower surface of the breast turns down over the chest beneath (distal to) the breast. It is an important landmark for the surgeon practising breast reconstruction in particular, but requires also the attention of the surgeon in breast augmentation.

Anatomic dissection and histologic microscopy studies have shown this to be a recognizable structure where the subcutaneous fascia of the breast is adherent and comingles with the fibers of the deep pectoral fascia, identifying this as a fixed zone which mandates the attention of the breast surgeon.

The suggestion has been made that there is a “ligament” in this fold, and that has not been substantiated.

Related Questions

This case depicts a 29 year old woman with symptomatic breast hypertrophy who underwent a breast reduction using the inverted T or "anchor" incision pattern. Because of this individual's symptoms, medical insurance covered a portion of the costs of this procedure.

Not only did her symptoms improve following surgery, but she also gained a more aesthetically proportionate breast. Her post-operative photographs show her appearance approximately one month after surgery.